BAH Rent Calculator

Looking at a rental near your next duty station? Enter the rent and an estimate for utilities, and see how it compares with your BAH. BAH rates come from the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO).

Use the ZIP code box above to find your area automatically.
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Electric, gas, water, trash. Ask the landlord what past tenants paid.
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BAH RentEstimate
Left over each month$323.00BAH covers this rental with room to spare
Your monthly BAH
$2,388.00
E-5, with dependents, Atlanta, GA
Total housing cost
$2,065.00
Per year
$3,876.00
Left over
Rates effectiveJan 1, 2026

Rates as of January 1, 2026 from DTMO BAH rates. Independent estimate. Not affiliated with the Department of Defense. Confirm your BAH with your finance office or DTMO's BAH lookup. How we check our rates.

Setting up at a new duty station

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How it works

Your BAH is set by your duty station's ZIP code, pay grade and dependents. Where you choose to live doesn't change it.

This adds up rent, utilities and renter's insurance and subtracts it from your BAH.

DoD sets BAH so members pay about 5% of typical housing costs themselves, so a small out-of-pocket amount is normal.

BAH isn't taxable, so a dollar of BAH goes further than a dollar of basic pay.

Frequently asked questions

Should utilities count against BAH?

Yes. DTMO builds BAH from local rents plus average utilities, so compare your BAH with rent and utilities together.

Can I keep BAH I don't spend?

Yes. BAH is paid to you, not the landlord. If you rent for less, you keep the difference.

Will my BAH drop if rates go down next year?

Generally no. Rate protection keeps your BAH from going down while you stay at the same duty station, pay grade and dependency status.

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